Seven Secrets

by Paul CollinsSeven Secrets is a pensive follow-up that shows the band stretching out into lengthy and varied suites like "Garden Lady." The album's dynamics can be a bit irritating at times-the production too often toys with very soft passages that may cut it in the symphony hall, but get tiresome anywhere else. Still, "Elizabeth" is one of the band's best compositions, an ambitious fulfillment of their talents at both string arrangements and progressive rock instrumentation, and "Three Spires" is a fine showcase for Farrelly's wistful vocals. As on their debut, the title track is a rather fey little bit of filler, but it hardly detracts from the overall high level of the album.